Fluid line apparatus

ABSTRACT

Fluid line apparatus comprising a container, a line, a line end valve, pressurization means and control means, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve, in which a first function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the container such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, in which a second function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the line such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container, in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurization means to the container and the line such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container, and in which fluid returning to the container is subjected to a filtering means.

This invention relates to fluid line apparatus with a novel linedraining mechanism, for use particularly, but not exclusively withpressurized commercial beer lines.

Beer lines in public houses are commonly cleaned once a week or so, orwhenever a beer keg is changed. They must be kept clean to prevent thebuild up of scale and micro organisms. Current practice involvesremoving the line from the keg, draining the contents of the line anddisposing of it, then cleaning the empty line with cleaning fluids.However, this results in the loss of large quantities of product. Eachseparate line can contain six pints of beer, which is lost every timethe line is cleaned. In addition, the task of emptying the line can bemessy and time consuming because all the fluid needs to be captured anddisposed of.

Another problem associated with current systems is over-frothing of thebeer when the keg is re-pressurized after a line clean. The keg isre-pressurized at once, with the result that the beer froths in the kegand the line, and the first few pints drawn are spoiled.

One further problem with current systems is that product contained inlines overnight, or whenever the line is not used for an extendedperiod, can spoil and go flat. When this happens the first few pintsdrawn are unfit for consumption.

The present invention is intended to provide a solution to some of theabove problems. Therefore, according to a first aspect of the presentinvention fluid line apparatus comprises a container, a line, a line endvalve, pressurization means and control means, in which the lineconnects the container to the line end valve, in which a first functionof the pressurization means is to pressurize the container such thatfluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve,in which a second function of the pressurization means is to pressurizethe line such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of thecontainer, in which in use the control means controls the application ofthe pressurization means to the container and the line such that whenfluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards theline end valve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluidis forced towards the container, and in which fluid returning to thecontainer is subjected to a filtering means.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “filtering means” isintended to define any means which can perform a filtering function.According to the invention this filtering function can be for anypurpose, however it will be appreciated that the present invention ispreferably used with a beer line, and as such the filtering function canbe sufficient to fully or partially remove or destroy microbial bacteriain beer returning to a container. This is so the returned beer is fullyor partially sterilised, and fit for consumption. As described below,the filtering means is preferably a physical filter which actuallyremoves the bacteria, however the invention also covers other meanswhich can either remove or kill the bacteria. Such means could be anymechanical device which can apply one or more of the following things tothe beer: a laser or lasers, ultra violet or infra red radiation,heating or cooling, a high impact force, magnetohydrodynamicsterilisation or irradiation.

Thus, the present invention provides for product to be returned to thekeg and saved during a line clean, in order to be re-used later. Thisprevents the costly and time consuming disposal of product associatedwith known systems. In addition, the product returned to the keg doesnot contaminate the product therein because it is subjected to thefiltering means.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus can also be used to returnproduct to the keg overnight to prevent it spoiling in the line.Alternatively, the apparatus can be used to pressurize product in theline in order to maintain it, by applying the second function of thepressurization means but preventing fluid entering the container.

It will be appreciated that the pressurization means could be a singlesource of pressure, with means to apply it at different locations.However, in a preferred embodiment the pressurization means can comprisea first pressurization means adapted to pressurize the container suchthat fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line endvalve, and a second pressurization means adapted to pressurize the linesuch that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container.The pressurization means employed in the invention can be any meanswhich can apply a pressure, including a source of positive pressure, forexample a compressed gas, or, as appropriate, a source of negativepressure, for example a vacuum pump. However, preferably the secondpressurization means can comprise a positive pressurization meansdisposed at the line end valve end of the line.

Line valve means can be disposed on the line adjacent the container, andcan be adapted to direct fluid along the line towards the line end valvewhen the first pressurization means is applied, and to direct fluid tothe filtering means then into the container when the secondpressurization means is applied and the line is to be drained. Thus,only fluid returning to the container is subjected to the filteringmeans.

In order to facilitate the above arrangement a return fluid branch linecan be provided, which extends from a junction point on the lineadjacent the container to the container, and the filtering means can bedisposed on the return fluid branch line. The line valve means cancomprise a two way valve disposed at the junction point which is adaptedto open the line and shut the return fluid branch line when fluid is tobe dispensed from the apparatus, and to close the line and open thereturn fluid branch line when fluid is to be returned to the container.Said junction point hereinafter also referred to as the “first junctionpoint”, especially when referenced in relation to a second junctionpoint.

In a preferred arrangement the return fluid branch line can comprise aloop line which extends from said first junction point to a secondjunction point on the line between said junction point and thecontainer. Further, the line valve means can also comprise a second twoway valve disposed at the second junction point which is adapted to openthe line and shut the return fluid branch line when fluid is to bedispensed from the apparatus, and to close the line and open the returnfluid branch line when fluid is to be returned to the container.

In addition, the line valve means can also comprise a one way valvedisposed on the line between said first junction point and the secondjunction point, which one way valve can be adapted to only allow fluidto pass along the line in the direction of the line end valve. Thus,even if the two way valve at the first junction point fails in use, noliquid can enter the container which has not been subjected to thefiltering means.

It will be appreciated that in order to move fluid up or down the line,the control means must control the two pressurization means such that apressure differential is created across the line. Thus, when fluid is tobe forced towards the line end valve the first pressurization means canapply a greater pressure to the container than the second pressurizationmeans applies to the line. In a preferred embodiment when fluid is to beforced towards the line end valve the first pressurization means can beapplied to the container and the second pressurization means can not beapplied to the line. Likewise, when fluid in the line is to be forcedtowards the container the second pressurization means can apply agreater pressure to the line than the first pressurization means appliesto the container. Again, in a preferred embodiment when fluid in theline is to be forced towards the container the second pressurizationmeans can be applied to the line and the first pressurization means cannot be applied to the container. This can be done by removing the firstpressurization means from the container and alleviating the pressuretherein to zero, so the application of the second pressurization meanswill create the differential across the line. Alternatively, this can bedone by removing the first pressurization means from the first containerbut not alleviating the pressure therein. If this is done, the secondpressurization means must provide a higher pressure than is present inthe line and the container to force the fluid towards the container.

The fluid can be an effervescent liquid, and the first pressurizationmeans can be a source of pressurized gas, which can be connected to thecontainer by a gas line.

Whether the pressure in the container is reduced or not when the fluidis forced towards the container, in either instance there must be ameans to remove the first pressurization means and to alleviate thepressure in the container. In the second instance this is because aneffervescent liquid under high pressure would froth up if the secondpressurisation means were simply removed when fluid is to be forcedtowards the line end valve again. To prevent this, the pressure in thecontainer may be reduced to a level which will not agitate the fluidwhen it is forced up the line, and then it can be brought back to fullpressure when the line is full again. Therefore, a stop valve can beprovided on the gas line, and a gas exhaust valve can be provided on thegas line between the stop valve and the container. When the firstpressurization means is to be removed from the container in use the stopvalve can close the gas line. When the pressure in the container is tobe reduced, the gas exhaust valve can open the portion of the gas linebetween it and the container to atmosphere. If the gas exhaust valve isopened directly to the atmosphere there is a danger that theeffervescent liquid in the container would froth up. Therefore the gasexhaust valve can be connected to one or more restrictor valves and asilencer, such that the pressure in the container can only be reduced ata predetermined rate, which pre-determined rate is below that whichwould agitate the effervescent liquid.

A pressure sensor means can be provided which is connected to thecontrol means. If the pressure in the container is to be fully removed,when the pressure sensor means indicates that the pressure in thecontainer is substantially 0 PSI after the gas exhaust vale has beenopened, as described above, the control means can apply the secondpressurization means to the line. Alternatively, if the pressure in thecontainer is not to be removed, and it is to be reduced only so much asto prevent possible frothing upon re-pressurisation of the line, thenthe pressure sensor can indicate to the control means when such areduced pressure is reached. The second pressurization means can be asource of pressurized gas which is connected to the line adjacent theline end valve. Again, in order for this arrangement of the invention towork, there must be means to remove this source of pressurized gas fromthe line, and to thereafter alleviate the pressure therein. Therefore, aline end stop valve can be provided between the second pressurizationmeans and the line end valve. When the second pressurization means is tobe removed from the line in use the line end stop valve can isolate thesecond pressurization means, and the line end valve can be opened toreduce the pressure in the line.

It will be appreciated that in a typical setting where the container isin a basement and the tap is on an upper level, the pressure required toforce the fluid down the line and into a fully or partiallydepressurized container, will be less than is required to pressurize thewhole container and force fluid up the line. Thus, when the line endvalve is opened in the manner described above the pressurized fluid inthe line does not froth up as the drop in pressure is not sufficient tomake it do so. Nonetheless, it is also possible in use to open the lineend valve slowly to release the pressure gradually if desired. Ofcourse, when the apparatus is arranged in other configurations, forexample in instances where the container remains pressurized when thefluid is forced towards it, or where the container is on the same levelas or on a higher level than the tap, the pressure required to force thefluid along the line towards the container may be greater than thatrequired to pressurize the container and force fluid along the line.When the second pressurization means is to be removed from the line insuch arrangements, the pressure in the whole apparatus can be reducedvia the gas exhaust valve first to prevent any fluid in the container orthe line from frothing. When fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatusagain, whether the container has been fully or partially depressurizedor not, the control means can re-pressurize the container with the firstpressurization means at a pre-determined rate, which is below that whichwould agitate the effervescent liquid. In order to achieve this, a flowrestrictor valve can be provided between the first pressurization meansand the container, which is adapted to facilitate re-pressurization ofthe container at said pre-determined rate.

The fluid line apparatus can be provided with one or more failsafesystems adapted to ensure that only the fluid which was in the line canbe returned to the container when the second pressurization means isapplied. Therefore, fluid sensor means can be provided which providedata to the control means relating to the fluid in the line. The controlmeans can be adapted to use said data to control the apparatus, andensure that only the fluid which was in the line is returned to thecontainer. This arrangement prevents unscrupulous attempts to introducea diluting fluid into the line via the line end valve when the fluid isbeing forced back into the container.

The fluid sensor means can be adapted to provide data to the controlmeans on the quantity of fluid forced into the container in use, and thecontrol means can use that data to ensure that only the correct volumeof liquid can enter the container. The fluid sensor means can alsoprovide data to the control means on the quantity of fluid forced fromthe container in use. Such data can provide a detailed record of thequantity of product sold.

In a preferred construction the fluid sensor means can comprise a fluidflow sensor, a fluid presence optronic sensor and a fluid conductivitysensor. The fluid presence optronic sensor can be adapted to signal tothe control means when it senses a liquid or a gas in the line. Thefluid flow sensor can be adapted to measure the quantity of fluidreturning to the container in use, and the fluid conductivity sensor canbe adapted to identify the electric resistance of that fluid. With thisarrangement the fluid sensor means can detect not only the presence ofany fluid, but also the quantities flowing back and forth, and theparticular nature of the fluid from its electrical conductivity.

The fluid conductivity sensor can be disposed on the line end valve sideof said first junction point, the fluid flow sensor can be disposedbetween the fluid conductivity sensor and said first junction point, andthe fluid presence optronic sensor can be disposed between the containerand the second junction point. The fluid presence optronic sensorindicates when the last fluid has been returned to the container, so aline draining procedure can be stopped at the right time.

Preferably the control means can be provided with a database ofinformation, which comprises the quantity of fluid which can becontained in the line, and the electric resistance of the fluid in theline. This information can be programmed into the control means, or thecontrol means can perform a test line drain in which information fromthe fluid sensor means is recorded for future reference. Data gatheredduring all further operations can be compared with the data from thetest run, in order to identify if the incoming data is outside theparameters of the test run, whether this be an increase in the quantityof fluid passing down the line, or the type of fluid passing down theline. The control means can be adapted to stop the apparatus fromforcing fluid into the container if the quantity of fluid measured bythe fluid flow sensor in use and/or the electric resistance of the fluidmeasured by the fluid conductivity sensor in use is substantiallydifferent from said information in the database.

In a preferred embodiment the fluid line apparatus can be a beer linesupply apparatus and the filtering means can be a 0.2 micron filterdisposed in the path of returning fluid. The control means can be anelectronic control circuit created for the above described purposes inany of the known ways

As described above, beer lines need to be cleared of product and thencleaned, and one of the functions of the invention is to facilitate thedraining of the line. Once drained, the line needs to be cleaned, and inknown arrangements the line is removed from the rest of the apparatus toallow this to be done. Therefore, in one embodiment the line can beremovable from the container, such that when line is cleared of fluid inuse it can be removed for cleaning.

However, in another embodiment the fluid line apparatus can be providedwith its own line cleaning system that does not require the line to beremoved. Thus, a cleaning fluid line can be connected to the lineadjacent the line end valve and a drain can be connected to the linebetween the filtering means and the container. When the line is clearedof fluid in use a cleaning fluid can be introduced to the line from thecleaning fluid line, it can be forced along the line by thepressurization means, and then directed to the drain, thereby to cleanthe line. In addition the pressurization means can be applied to theline after said cleaning fluid has been removed via the drain, therebyto dry and/or sterilize the line. Reference to the pressurization meansin this paragraph refers to any pressurization means and not just theparticular arrangements described above.

Another potential function of the fluid line apparatus of the presentinvention is to pressurize product in the line during a period ofinactivity to prevent it from spoiling. Therefore in one embodiment theapparatus can comprise a stand-by mode in which the line valve meansprevents fluid returning to the container when the second pressurizationmeans is applied, such that fluid in the line is pressurized by thesecond pressurization means.

In an alternative pressurization means arrangement to that describedabove, the second pressurization means can comprise a vacuum pump meansdisposed at the container end of the line. When the line is to bedrained with this arrangement the control means can first remove thefirst pressurization means from the container such that the container isde-pressurized, then apply a negative pressure to the container by meansof the vacuum pump means, such that a force is created to draw the fluidin the line back into the container. In order to facilitate thisprocess, first the fluid the line end valve can be closed and then thevacuum pump means can be operated until a pre-determined vacuum pressureis reached in the line, and once this pressure is reached the line endvalve can be opened and the fluid in the line drawn into the container.With this alternative arrangement several of the features describedabove can also be employed. In particular, fluid sensor means can beprovided and data provided by it can be used by the control means toensure only fluid in the line is drawn into the container. The fluidsensor means can comprise a fluid flow sensor, a fluid presence optronicsenor and a fluid conductivity sensor like those described above, andthe control means can be provided with the same kind of database ofinformation against which to compare signals received from the fluidsensor means in use, and it can shut down the system if the readingssuggest any fault or wrong-doing. In addition, the first pressurizationmeans can again be a source of pressurized gas, which can be connectedto the container by a gas line. A gas exhaust valve with restrictorvalves and a silencer can be provided on the gas line to allow thecontainer to be de-pressurized in a controlled manner. In addition, aflow restrictor valve can be provided on the gas line so the containercan be re-pressurized in a controlled manner. However, in other respectsthe use of a vacuum pump means as the second pressurization meansrequires alternative arrangements.

A line valve can be disposed on the line adjacent the container, whichcan be adapted to direct fluid along the line towards the line end valvewhen the line is pressurized, and to direct returning fluid to the fluidsensor means when a negative pressure is applied to the line. The linevalve can be spring loaded, such that when it is pressurized in use itcan be forced against the spring loading and assume a first position inwhich fluid can be directed along the line towards the line end valve,and when it is depressurized in use the line valve can be forced by thespring loading to assume a second position in which fluid being drawndown the line can be directed to the fluid sensor means.

In a preferred arrangement the fluid can be a liquid, and a floatchamber with a ball valve can be disposed between the line and thecontainer, such that when the last fluid in the line is drawn into thecontainer the ball valve closes and prevents air entering the container.A filtering means can be provided between the line valve and the fluidsensor means, such that the filtering means is disposed in the path offluid drawn back into the container in use. Again, the filtering meanscan be a 0.2 micron filter disposed in the path of returning fluid. Apressure sensor means can be provided which is connected to the controlmeans. When the pressure sensor means indicates that the pressure in thecontainer is substantially 0 PSI after the gas exhaust vale has beenopened, as described above, the control means can operate the vacuumpump means. The control means can be adapted to operate the vacuum pumpmeans such that a vacuum of substantially 30 per cent (300 mmbarg) isreached in the container in approximately 1 minute. The vacuum pumpmeans, which can be an electrically operated vacuum pump, can beisolated from the container when the container is pressurized. Thecontrol means can be an electronic control circuit, created for theabove described purposes in any of the known ways.

The line can be removable from the container, such that when the fluidin the line has been drawn back into the container in use, the line canbe removed for cleaning. In a preferred construction the line valve, thefloat chamber, the filtering means and the fluid sensor means can all beremoved from the container with the line for cleaning in use. The linecan be connected to the container with a known spring-loaded closuremeans which closes the container when the line is removed. As above, ina preferred embodiment the fluid line apparatus can be a beer line.

As will be appreciated from the above descriptions, the various fluidline apparatuses of the invention can be operated in particular ways.Therefore the invention also includes methods of using a fluid lineapparatus. Therefore, according to a second aspect of the presentinvention a method of using fluid line apparatus comprising a container,a line, a line end valve, pressurization means and control means, inwhich the line connects the container to the line end valve, in which afirst function of the pressurization means is to pressurize thecontainer such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction ofthe line end valve, in which a second function of the pressurizationmeans is to pressurize the line such that fluid in the line is forced inthe direction of the container, in which in use the control meanscontrols the application of the pressurization means to the containerand the line such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatusit is forced towards the line end valve, and when the line is to becleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container, and inwhich fluid returning to the container is subjected to a filteringmeans; includes the following steps:

-   -   1) Operating the control means such that the pressurization        means performs its first function and forces fluid in the        direction of the line end valve, such that fluid can be        dispensed from the apparatus,    -   2) Operating the control means such that the pressurization        means performs its second function and forces fluid in the        direction of the container, such that fluid is forced back into        the container,    -   3) Cleaning the line,    -   4) Operating the control means such that the pressurization        means performs its first function and forces fluid in the        direction of the line end valve, such that fluid can be        dispensed from the apparatus.

In one embodiment of the above method the pressurization means cancomprise a first positive pressurization means adapted to pressurize thecontainer such that fluid in the container can be forced in thedirection of the line end valve, and a second positive pressurizationmeans disposed at the line end valve end of the line and adapted topressurize the line such that fluid in the line can be forced in thedirection of the container. In an alternative embodiment of the abovemethod the pressurization means can comprise a positive pressurizationmeans adapted to pressurize the container such that fluid in thecontainer is forced in the direction of the line end valve, and vacuumpump means adapted to create a negative pressure in the container suchthat fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container.Thus, step (2) of the method can involve operating the control meanssuch that the vacuum pump means is operated such that a negativepressure is applied to the container, then opening the line end valvesuch that fluid in the line is drawn into the container by saidpressure.

In addition to the above methods of using the apparatus of the inventionto drain the line in order to clean it, the apparatus can also be usedto drain the line in order to prevent product spoiling in the lineduring a period of non use. Therefore, according to a third aspect ofthe present invention a method of using fluid line apparatus comprisinga container, a line, a line end valve, pressurization means and controlmeans, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve,in which a first function of the pressurization means is to pressurizethe container such that fluid in the container is forced in thedirection of the line end valve, in which a second function of thepressurization means is to pressurize the line such that fluid in theline is forced in the direction of the container, in which in use thecontrol means controls the application of the pressurization means tothe container and the line such that when fluid is to be dispensed fromthe apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve, and when the lineis to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container,and in which fluid returning to the container is subjected to afiltering means; includes the following steps:

-   -   1) Operating the control means such that the pressurization        means performs its first function and forces fluid in the        direction of the line end valve, such that fluid can be        dispensed from the apparatus,    -   2) Operating the control means such that the pressurization        means performs its second function and forces fluid in the        direction of the container, such that fluid is forced back into        the container,    -   3) Leaving the apparatus for a period of inactivity,    -   4) Operating the control means such that the pressurization        means performs its first function and forces fluid in the        direction of the line end valve, such that fluid can be        dispensed from the apparatus.

In addition to the above method of preventing product spoiling over aperiod of inactivity, the apparatus of the invention can also be used ina different way to achieve the same end. Therefore, according to afourth aspect of the present invention a method of using fluid lineapparatus comprising a container, a line, line valve means disposed onthe line adjacent the container, a line end valve, pressurization meansand control means, in which the line connects the container to the lineend valve, in which a first function of the pressurization means is topressurize the container such that fluid in the container is forced inthe direction of the line end valve, in which a second function of thepressurization means is to pressurize the line such that fluid in theline is forced in the direction of the container, in which in use thecontrol means controls the application of the pressurization means tothe container and the line such that when fluid is to be dispensed fromthe apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve, and when the lineis to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container,and in which fluid returning to the container is subjected to afiltering means; includes the following steps:

-   -   1) Operating the control means such that the pressurization        means performs its first function and forces fluid in the        direction of the line end valve, such that fluid can be        dispensed from the apparatus,    -   2) Operating the control means such that the pressurization        means performs its second function and forces fluid in the        direction of the container, and at the same time the line valve        means prevents any fluid entering the container, such that fluid        in the line is placed under pressure,    -   3) Leaving the apparatus for a period of inactivity,    -   4) Operating the control means such that the pressurization        means performs its first function and forces fluid in the        direction of the line end valve, such that fluid can be        dispensed from the apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment of the above described fluid line apparatus anumber of the components are housed in a self contained filtering unitmodule which is disposed in use between the container and the line.Therefore, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention afiltering unit module for use with fluid line apparatus comprising acontainer, a line, a line end valve, pressurization means and controlmeans, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve,in which a first function of the pressurization means is to pressurizethe container such that fluid in the container is forced in thedirection of the line end valve, in which a second function of thepressurization means is to pressurize the line such that fluid in theline is forced along the line in the direction of the container, inwhich in use the control means controls the application of thepressurization means to the container and the line such that when fluidis to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards the line endvalve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forcedtowards the container, and in which fluid returning to the container issubjected to a filtering means, in which the filtering unit modulecomprises a self contained unit adapted to be fitted between a containerand a line of fluid line apparatus with which it is used, in which thefiltering unit module comprises line valve means and the filtering meansof said apparatus, in which the line valve means are adapted to directfluid to said line in the direction of a line end valve of saidapparatus when the pressurization means of said apparatus performs itsfirst function, and in which the line valve means are further adapted todirect fluid to the filtering means then into the container of saidapparatus when the pressurization means of said apparatus performs itssecond function and the line is to be cleared of fluid.

Preferably the filtering unit module can comprise a main line which canform part of the line of said apparatus, and a return fluid branch linewhich can extend from a junction point on said main line to thecontainer of said apparatus. The filtering means can be disposed on thereturn fluid branch line, and the line valve means can comprise a twoway valve disposed at the first junction point which can be adapted toopen the main line and shut the return fluid branch line when fluid isto be dispensed from said apparatus, and to close the line and open thereturn fluid branch line when fluid is to be returned to the containerof said apparatus.

The return fluid branch line can comprise a loop line which can extendfrom said first junction point to a second junction point on the mainline between said junction point and the container of the apparatus. Theline valve means can comprise a second two way valve disposed at thesecond junction point which can be adapted to open the main line andshut the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be dispensed fromsaid apparatus, and to close the main line and open the return fluidbranch line when fluid is to be returned to the container of saidapparatus.

The line valve means can further comprise a one way valve disposed onthe main line between said junction point and the second junction point.This one way valve can be adapted to only allow fluid to pass along themain line in the direction of the line end valve of said apparatus.

The pressurization means of the fluid line apparatus with which thefiltering unit module is used can comprises a source of pressurized gas,which can be connected to the container by a gas line. Therefore, in apreferred arrangement the filtering unit module can be adapted to befitted between said source of pressurized gas and said container and cancomprise a main gas line, which can form part of the gas line of saidapparatus. A two-way gas stop valve can be disposed on said main gasline which can be adapted to open the main gas line when fluid is to bedispensed from said apparatus. The gas stop valve can be further adaptedto close the main gas line when fluid is to be returned to the containerof said apparatus.

The filtering unit module can further comprise fluid sensor means andinterface means. The interface means can be adapted to connect to thecontrol means of said apparatus, such that data can be sent to saidcontrol means. The fluid sensor means can be adapted to provide suchdata to said control means on the quantity of fluid forced into thecontainer of said apparatus in use. The fluid sensor means can alsoprovide data to the control means of said apparatus on the quantity offluid forced from the container of said apparatus in use.

The fluid sensor means can comprise a fluid flow sensor and a fluidpresence optronic senor. The fluid presence optronic sensor can beadapted to signal to the control means of said apparatus when it sensesa fluid in the main line, and the fluid flow sensor can be adapted tomeasure the quantity of fluid returning through the main line to thecontainer of said apparatus in use and to communicate such measurementsto said control means. The fluid flow sensor can be disposed on the mainline, on the line side of said junction point, and the fluid presenceoptronic sensor can be disposed between the second junction point andthe container of said apparatus.

In one arrangement the fluid sensor means can further comprise a fluidconductivity sensor which can be adapted to identify the electricresistance of fluid passing though the main line, and to communicatesuch measurements to the control means of said apparatus. The fluidconductivity sensor can be disposed on the main line between the fluidflow sensor and the line of said apparatus.

It will be appreciated that the above described fluid line apparatusarrangements refer to an entire fluid line including the container, theline and the line end valve. In reality simple fluid line apparatusarrangements comprising these three basic elements already exist, andtherefore the invention also includes fluid line draining apparatus foruse with such existing lines.

Therefore, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention fluidline draining apparatus for use with fluid line apparatus comprising acontainer, a line, a line end valve and pressurization means, in whichthe line connects the container to the line end valve and thepressurization means pressurizes the container such that fluid in thecontainer is forced along the line towards the line end valve, in whichthe fluid line draining apparatus comprises second pressurization means,control means, filtering means and connection means, in which in use thepressurization means, control means and filtering means are connected tofluid line apparatus with which the fluid line draining apparatus isused by means of the connection means, and in which in use the controlmeans controls the application of the pressurization means of said fluidline apparatus to the container of said fluid line apparatus and theapplication of the second pressurization means to the line of said fluidline apparatus such that when fluid is to be dispensed from said fluidline apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve of said fluidline apparatus, and when the line of said fluid line apparatus is to becleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container of saidfluid line apparatus, and in which fluid returning to the container ofsaid fluid line apparatus is subjected to said filtering means.

In addition, it will be appreciated that the above described fluid lineapparatus arrangements refer to a single fluid line. However it is wellknown to have beer line systems comprising several beer kegs with theirown lines and taps. Therefore, according to a seventh aspect of thepresent invention, multiple fluid line apparatus comprisespressurization means, control means and two or more containers, eachprovided with a line and a line end valve, in which the lines connectthe containers to their line end valves, in which a first function ofthe pressurization means is to pressurize the containers such that fluidin the containers is forced in the direction of their line end valves,in which a second function of the pressurization means is to pressurizethe lines such that fluid in the lines is forced in the direction of thecorresponding containers, in which in use the control means controls theapplication of the pressurization means to the containers and the linessuch that when fluid is to be dispensed from one or other of the lineend valves, it is forced along the corresponding line, and when one orother of the lines is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forcedtowards the corresponding container, and in which fluid returning to anycontainer is subjected to a filtering means.

The invention can be performed in various ways, but four embodimentswill now be described by way of example and with reference to theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of fluid line apparatus according to thepresent invention,

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a multiple fluid line apparatusaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a second fluid line apparatus accordingto another embodiment of the present invention, and;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a multiple fluid line apparatusaccording to said another embodiment of the present invention.

Having the benefit of the teaching of this specification, it will beappreciated that there are two basic variants of the present invention,a first in which the second pressurization means is a form of positivepressure applied to the line end valve end of the line, and a second inwhich the second pressurization means is a vacuum pump means applied tothe container. It is an embodiment of this second variation which isdescribed first below.

As shown in FIG. 1 fluid line apparatus 1 comprises a container in theform of beer keg 2, a line 3, a line end valve in the form of tap 4,pressurization means in the form of gas cylinder 5 and electric vacuumpump 6, and control means in the form of electronic control circuit 7,which is contained in a control box 8. The line 3 connects the beer keg2 to the tap 4.

As described below a first function of the pressurization means,specifically the gas cylinder 5, is to pressurize the keg 2 such thatfluid in the keg 2 is forced in the direction of the tap 4. A secondfunction of the pressurization means, specifically the vacuum pump 6, isto pressurize the line 3 such that fluid in the line 3 is forced in thedirection of the keg 2. In use the control circuit 7 controls theapplication of the two pressurization means 5, 6 to the keg 2 and theline 3 such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus 1 itis forced towards the tap 4, and when the line 3 is to be cleared offluid, said fluid is forced towards the keg 2, and in which fluidreturning to the container is subjected to a filtering means 27.

In use as described below, the control circuit 7 removes the gascylinder 5 from the keg 2 and vents the keg 2 such that the keg 2 isde-pressurized, then applies a negative pressure to the keg 2 by meansof the vacuum pump 6 such that a force is created to draw the beer inthe line 3 back into the keg 2.

In the following description, reference is made to “normal use”, and a“line cleaning procedure”. Normal use refers to use of the apparatus todispense beer from the tap 4, where the apparatus functions in themanner of a known beer line. The keg 2 is pressurized and the line 3 isfilled with beer, which is dispensed by operation of the tap 4. The linecleaning procedure is outside of normal use and comprises the varioussteps involved in draining, cleaning and re-connection the line asdescribed in greater detail below.

As seen in FIG. 1, the fluid line apparatus 1 also comprises gas line 9which connects the cylinder 5 to the keg 2. Mounted on the gas line 9 isa valve box 10, which carries a series of solenoid valves adapted tocontrol the pressurization, de-pressurization and vacuum generation inthe keg 2. The valve box 10 contains the following valves: a three wayflow restrictor control valve 11, a restrictor valve 12, a two way stopvalve 13, a three way gas exhaust valve 14, and a two way vacuum pumpisolation valve 15. The flow restrictor control valve 11, the stop valve13 and the gas exhaust valve 14 are mounted on the gas line 9, whichthen diverts out of the valve box 10 and to the keg 2. The vacuum pumpisolation valve 15 is mounted on a vacuum pump line 16 which extendsfrom the gas line 9 inside the valve box 10, then extends out to thevacuum pump 6.

The flow restrictor control valve 11 is a three way valve which opensthe gas line 9 and shuts passage to the restrictor valve 12 in a firstposition adopted in normal use. It shuts the gas line 9 and diverts thepressurized gas to the restrictor valve 12, from where it is returned tothe flow restrictor control valve 11 and back along the gas line 9, in asecond position adopted during a part of the line cleaning procedure.The restrictor valve 12 restricts flow of the pressurized gas from thegas cylinder 5 when the apparatus is re-pressurized, thereby preventingthe keg 2 from re-pressurizing too fast which would agitate the beertherein.

The two way stop valve 13 opens the gas line 9 in a first positionadopted in normal use, and shuts the gas line 9 in a second positionadopted during a part of the line cleaning procedure.

The gas exhaust valve 14 is connected to a gas exhaust restrictor valve17 and a silencer 18, which leads to a vent 19 to atmosphere. The gasexhaust restrictor valve 17 and the silencer 18 prevent the keg 2de-pressurizing too fast, which would lead to frothing of the beer. Thegas exhaust valve 14 is a three way valve which opens the gas line 9 andshuts passage to the vent 19 in a first position adopted in normal use,and which shuts the gas line 9 and opens passage from the keg 2 to thevent 19 in a second position adopted during the line cleaning procedure.Therefore, switching of the gas exhaust valve 14 simultaneously isolatesthe keg 2 from the gas cylinder 5, and depressurizes the keg 2.

The vacuum pump isolation valve 15 shuts the vacuum pump line 16 in afirst position adopted in normal use, and opens the vacuum pump line 16in a second position adopted during part of the line cleaning procedure.

All the valves 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 inside the valve box 10 areconnected to the control circuit 7 by means of internal circuitry insidethe valve box 10 (not shown), and are operated by commands sent from thecontrol circuit 7 to the valve box by means of electronic circuitry 35.The vacuum pump 6 is also connected to, and controlled by, the controlcircuit 7 by means of electronic circuitry 36. Pressure sensor 20 ismounted in a section 9 a of the gas line 9 between the valve box 10 andthe keg 2, and is also connected to the control circuit 7 by means ofelectronic circuitry 37.

The section 9 a of the gas line 9 has three functions. In normal use itforms part of the gas line 9 which extends from the gas cylinder 5 tothe keg 2. However, during a first part of the line cleaning procedurethe gas exhaust vale 14 adopts its second position, closing the gas line9 and opening the keg 2 and the section 9 a to the atmosphere. As aresult the section 9 a forms a part of a gas exhaust line. In addition,during a second part of the line cleaning procedure the gas exhaustvalve 14 adopts its first position and closes the vent 19, the stopvalve 13 adopts its second position and shuts the gas line 9 and thevacuum pump isolation valve 15 adopts its second position and opens thevacuum pump line 16. As a result the section 9 a forms a part of a lineconnecting the vacuum pump 6 to the keg 2.

The fluid line apparatus 1 also comprises float chamber 21 whichcontains ball vale 22 (shown as a hashed check valve because in normaluse when the line 3 is full of beer it performs no valve function, andduring a part of the line cleaning procedure when the line 3 is empty itcloses the line 3). The float chamber 21 is a unit mounted on connector23. The connector 23 is a known spring loaded aperture which closes whenthe connection is severed by removal of the line 3 from the keg 2.

Line valve 24 is mounted on the line 3, adjacent the float chamber 21.Line valve 24 is a spring loaded three way spool valve, which opens theline 3 in a first position adopted when the line 3 is filled withpressurized beer in normal use. However, it shuts the line 3 and divertsfluid in the line 3 to return fluid loop line 25, from where it returnsto the line valve 24 and back down the line 3, in a second positionadopted when the line 3 is de-pressurized during part of the linecleaning procedure.

Filter box 26 is mounted on the return fluid loop line 25, and houses0.2 micron filter 27, fluid flow sensor 28 and a fluid presence optronicsensor 29. The optronic sensor 29 is connected to the fluid flow sensor28, and switches on the fluid flow sensor 28 only when it detects fluidin the return fluid loop line 25. Fluid conductivity sensor 30 isprovided on the return fluid loop line 25 outside of the filter box 26.Each of sensors 28, 29 and 30 are connected to the control circuit 7 andprovide it with data.

The control circuit 7 is an electronic circuit designed with knowntechniques to operate the apparatus 1 as described below. However, it isprovided with at least a database 31 for storing information about theapparatus 1. The control box 8 is provided with an operation keypad 32and an LCD display 33, which provides information about the status ofthe apparatus 1.

Clearly FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the fluid line apparatus 1, andis intended to show the various components in terms of their functionand relationship to one another. In reality the apparatus 1 can be laidout as is convenient on site. Usually the gas cylinder 5 and the keg 2are disposed in a cellar, and the line 3 leads up to the tap 4 at a bar,which could be one or more stories above the cellar. The control box 8can be wall mounted adjacent the keg 2, and the return fluid loop line25 and filter box 26 can be disposed on top of the keg 2 along with thefloat chamber 21. The valve box 10 and the vacuum pump 6 can be disposedanywhere between the cylinder and the keg 2 as appropriate. Several ofthe components require electrical power to operate, and it will beappreciated that they are appropriately connected to a power source.Suitable arrangements are known in the art and will not be furtherdescribed here.

In normal use the fluid line apparatus 1 operates like a known beerline. Valves 11, 13 and 14 are open, and valve 15 is closed, so the gascylinder 5 is connected straight through to the keg 2 by the gas line 9,9 a. Therefore the gas cylinder 5 provides pressure to the keg 2, andbeer is forced along the line 3. As a result the ball valve 22 issuspended in fluid in the float chamber and is thus open, and the linevalve is forced into an open position by the presence of the pressurizedbeer in the line 3. The return fluid loop line 25 is therefore isolatedand the line 3 is open. When a user opens the tap 4 beer is dispensedfor sale. If the keg 2 runs dry, it is disconnected from the cylinder 5and line 3, and replaced.

However, when the line cleaning procedure is performed the followingsequence takes place. A user initiates the procedure by inputting astart command on the keypad 32. This can be a single press of a button.The control circuit 7 then sends commands to the valve box 10 to switchthe stop valve 13 and the gas exhaust valve 14 to their secondpositions. As a result, the pressurized gas supply to the keg 2 is cutoff, and the section 9 a of the line 9 and the keg 2 are opened toatmosphere, via the gas exhaust restrictor valve 17 and the silencer 18.The pressure in the keg 2 therefore drops at a slow rate which is lowenough to prevent any beer in the keg 2 from frothing up, until thepressure in the keg is 0 PSI. It will be appreciated that only gasexhaust valve 14 need be switched to perform this step, but theswitching of stop valve 13 provides a failsafe to prevent the gascylinder 5 being opened to atmosphere at any point.

The pressure sensor 20 provides a pressure reading to the controlcircuit 7. Once the pressure sensor 20 indicates that the pressure inthe section 9 a of the line 9 is at 0 PSI the control circuit sendscommands to the valve box 10 to switch the gas exhaust valve 14 to itsfirst position, and the vacuum pump isolation valve 15 to its secondposition. As a result the vent 19 is closed and the apparatus is onceagain sealed, and a direct line is opened between the keg 2 and thevacuum pump 6 via the section 9 a of the line 9, and the vacuum pumpline 16. The gas cylinder 5 is still isolated from the keg 2 because thestop valve 13 remains in its closed second position.

Once this has been achieved the control circuit 7 switches on the vacuumpump 6. In the embodiment shown the line 3 has a capacity of six pints,and the keg has a 22 gallon capacity. The vacuum pump 6 is operated atsuch a rate that a vacuum of 30 per cent (300 mmbarg) is achieved in thekeg 2 in about 1 minute. This vacuum level is sufficient to drawsubstantially 6.6 gallons out of the keg 2, which is clearly enough toeffectively drain the line 3. Of course, lower or higher vacuums may beapplied depending upon the specific circumstances, the configuration ofthe system and the speed with which the fluid is to be retracted intothe container. Preferably the vacuum and duration is such as will notadversely affect the fluid, e.g., flatten the beer. Once the pressuresensor 20 provides a reading to the control circuit 7 that this vacuumlevel has been reached, it is indicated on the LCD screen.

At this point the user opens the tap 4. The moment this is done, theforce of the vacuum sucks the fluid back down the line 3. As a result ofthe change in pressure the line valve 24 switches to its secondposition, and the return fluid loop line 25 is flooded. When thishappens the optronic sensor 29 registers the presence of fluid in theloop line 25, and operates the flow sensor 28, which sends a data signalto the control circuit 7 relating to the flow of beer passing over it.The control circuit 7 calculates from this data the quantity of beerpassing back into the keg 2. The control circuit 7 has data in thedatabase 31 which defines how much beer should pass over the flowsensor. (This data is gathered by the system in a pre-use proceduredescribed below.) If the quantity passing over the sensor is outside ofthis definition the control circuit will shut down the vacuum pump 6.Preferably the shut down is associated with the concurrent isolation ofthe keg 2 from line 3, e.g., closing line valve 24 so no fluid passesinto the keg. The shut down may also trigger the return of the remainingcomponents of apparatus 1 to their normal use configuration. Thisprevents any liquids entering the keg 2 which were not in the line 3 tobegin with.

In addition, the fluid conductivity sensor 30 sends data to the controlcircuit about the electric resistance of the fluid in the line. Thecontrol circuit has data in the database 31 which defines what theelectric resistance of the fluid should be. (Again, this information isgathered by the system in the pre-use procedure.) If the data from thesensor 30 conflicts with the data in the database 31, the controlcircuit 7 will again shut off the vacuum pump 6. As in the precedingparagraph, the shut down may be accompanied by an isolation of the keg 2from the line 3 as well as the return of the remaining components of theapparatus 1 to their normal use configuration. This also preventsincorrect liquids being returned to the keg 2 by unscrupulous users.

When the line valve 24 is switched and the beer in the line 3 isdiverted to the return fluid loop line 25, it passes over the filter 27.Due to the nature of the filter, the beer is cold sterilised as itpassed over it, which prevents any contaminants from returning to thekeg 2. The beer then returns to the line valve 24 and is directedthrough the float chamber 21 and back into the keg 2. When the last beerin the line 3 exits the float chamber 21 the ball valve 22 shuts thefloat chamber 21 off, which prevents any air being sucked into the keg2. Provided the correct quantity of the correct fluid is drained fromthe line 3, the control circuit 7 then shuts down the vacuum pump 6 andindicates on the LCD display 33 that the line 3 is empty. The user thendisconnects the line 3 from the container by pulling it from theconnector 23. As a result the keg 2 is shut. It will be appreciated thatthe float chamber 21, the line valve 24, the filter box 26 and thereturn fluid loop line 25 are removed from the keg with the line 3. Allthese components are then cleaned in a known way, and then the line 3 isreconnected to the keg 2.

The final stage of the line cleaning procedure begins when the userinputs a further command on the keypad 32. The control circuit 7 sendssignals to the valve box 10 to arrange the flow restrictor control valve11 in its second position, and the stop valve 13, the gas exhaust valve14, and the vacuum pump isolation valve 15 in their first positions.With this arrangement the flow restrictor control valve 11 directspressurized gas from the cylinder 5 to the restrictor valve 12, fromwhere it is returned at a lower pressure to the flow restrictor controlvalve 11, and travels through the open stop valve 13 and gas exhaustvalve 14, and on through section 9 a of the gas line 9 to the keg 2. Thevacuum pump isolation valve 15 is shut, so no gas travels up to the pump6. The restrictor valve 12 is adapted to restrict the flow ofpressurized gas such that the keg 2 is re-pressurized to a normaloperating pressure at a slow rate which will not agitate the beer. As aresult no frothy unsalable product is forced up the line, and normalbeer can be dispensed from the tap 4 straight away.

As the pressure in the keg 2 rises, beer is forced up the line 3. As itpasses the line valve 24 it forces it to assume its first position whichopens the line 3, and shuts off the return line loop line 25. The beerin the line 3 rises up towards the tap 4 as the pressure increases. Oncedata from the pressure sensor 20 indicates that the keg 2 has reachedthe normal use pressure, the LCD display 33 displays this fact, and theapparatus can be used again to dispense beer.

As described above the apparatus 1 performs a pre-use procedure togather information required to perform the line cleaning procedure. Thepre-use procedure occurs once the apparatus 1 has been fitted, andbefore normal use commences. The control circuit 7 pressurizes the keg 2in the manner described above, in order to arrange the apparatus 1 fornormal use. By doing this the line 3 is filled with a quantity of beerwhich can be measured. The control circuit 7 then performs the steps ofa line cleaning procedure, however rather than receiving and comparingdata from the sensors 28, 29 and 30, the control circuit simply recordsthe data, and stores it in the database 31 for later comparison. Thedatabase 31 is therefore provided with information on the quantity ofbeer which should be returned to the keg 2, and on the type of beerwhich should be in the line 3. Further line drains are thereforecompared to the one performed in the pre-use procedure for verificationof authenticity.

The second aspect of the invention relates to a method of using fluidline apparatus, such as that shown in FIG. 1. The method involves fourbasic steps, each of which are clearly described above in detail inrelation to the line cleaning procedure.

In addition, the sixth aspect of the present invention relates to fluidline draining apparatus for use with existing fluid line apparatus.Therefore, in an alternative embodiment (not separately shown) fluidline draining apparatus comprises the control box 8, the vacuum pump 6,the valve box 10 (and the associated vent 19), the pressure sensor 20,the float chamber 21, the line valve 24, the filter box 26 and thereturn fluid loop line 25. These components are provided with knownconnection means to mount them on the appropriate parts of an existingbeer line apparatus. In particular, the valve box 10 and the pressuresensor 20 are mounted in a gas line, which thereby also connects thevent 19 and the vacuum pump 6 to the apparatus. Further, the floatchamber 21 is mounted on the end of a line, and the line valve 24 ismounted on the line, which thereby also connects the return fluid loopline 25.

The seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a multiple fluidline apparatus. Therefore, FIG. 2 shows multiple fluid line apparatus40, which generally comprises the same components and operates in thesame manner as apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, but in which there are twobeer lines, and some of the components are common to both. (The samereference numerals have been used in FIG. 2 as in FIG. 1 to refer to thecomponents of a first of the two beer lines 3.)

Thus, the multiple fluid line apparatus 40 comprises a first beer line3, which is connected to keg 2, and the keg 2 is pressurized by gascylinder 5 via gas line 9. A pressure sensor 20, float chamber 21, ballvalve 22, line valve 24, return fluid loop line 25, filter box 26,filter 27, and sensors 28, 29, and 30 are all provided. Mounted on thegas line 9 are flow restrictor control valve 11, which is connected torestrictor valve 12, stop valve 13, gas exhaust valve 14, which leads torestrictor valve 17 and vent 19, and vacuum pump isolation valve 15. Thefluid line apparatus 40 further comprises a second beer line 41, whichis connected to keg 42, and the keg 42 is pressurized by gas cylinder43, via gas line 44. The keg 42 contains a different beer to that in keg2, and the gas cylinder 43 provides a lesser gas pressure to keg 42 thancylinder 5 does to keg 2, because the particular beer in keg 42 requiresa lower pressure. Identical components to those provided on the firstline 3 are provided on the second line 41, and are given the samereference numerals as above, but with an “a” suffix. However, therestrictor valves 12 and 12 a, and 17 and 17 a are arranged to restrictthe particular pressures for each keg 2 or 42 as required.

The multiple fluid line apparatus 40 is provided with a control box 45,which contains a control circuit 46, provided with a database 47, andwhich is operated by keypad 49, and which indicates its status via LCD48. A number of the above described components mounted on the lines 3and 41 are connected to the control box 45 in the same manner as inapparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1.

The apparatus 40 is also provided with a single valve box 50, throughwhich passes both the gas line 9 and gas line 44. It also contains thevalves 11, 11 a, 12, 12 a, 13, 13 a, 14, 14 a, 15 and 15 a, which arecontrolled by signals received from the control circuit 46. As a resultof aligning the two sets of valves in the valve box 50, a single vacuumpump 51 can be used. Vacuum pump line 52 extends separately from bothvacuum pump isolation valves 15 and 15 a, such that the vacuum pump 51can be used in a line cleaning procedure on either line 3 or 41,separately, or on both of them simultaneously.

The multiple fluid line apparatus 40 essentially operates in anidentical manner to the fluid line apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, exceptthat the control circuit 46, and its database 47, are adapted to controlboth lines 3 and 41, either separately or individually. If either lineis to be cleaned separately the same procedure is performed as describedin relation to apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 1, and all the components ofthe other line are left in the normal use position. In particular, thevacuum pump isolation valve 15 or 15 a of the line which is not beingcleaned is not switched, so the operation of the vacuum pump 51 does notaffect that line. If both lines are to be cleaned simultaneouslyessentially the same procedure is performed, however the one vacuum pump51 is used to create the vacuum in both lines 3 and 41 at the same time.As a result, the control circuit 46 runs the vacuum pump 51 at a higherspeed as it needs to perform twice the work. In each case the controlcircuit 46 applies the appropriate data from the database 47 relating toeach separate line to prevent misuse of the apparatus 40.

As mentioned above, the present invention can be performed in two basicways, and a description will now be given of the preferred embodiment ofthe invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows fluid line apparatus 101,which comprises a container in the form of beer keg 102, a line 103, aline end valve in the form of tap 104, pressurization means in the formof first gas cylinder 105 and second gas cylinder 106, and control meansin the form of electronic control circuit 107. The line 103 connects thekeg 102 to the tap 104. As described below a first function of thepressurization means, specifically the first gas cylinder 105, is topressurize the keg 102 such that fluid in the keg 102 is forced in thedirection of the tap 104. A second function of the pressurization means,specifically the second gas cylinder 106, is to pressurize the line 103such that fluid in the line 103 is forced in the direction of the keg102. In use the control circuit 107 controls the application of the twopressurization means to the keg 102 and the line 103 such that whenfluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus 101 it is forced towards thetap 104, and when the line 103 is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid isforced towards the keg 102, and in which fluid returning to the keg 102is subjected to a filtering means 108.

Fluid line apparatus 101 performs the same basic functions as fluid lineapparatus 1 described above, however the usage and position of thesecond cylinder 106 creates somewhat different functional requirements,which leads to a quite different lay out and manner of use. In thefollowing description reference is made to “normal use”, and a number ofdifferent procedures. Normal use refers to use of the apparatus todispense beer from the tap 104, where the apparatus 101 functions in themanner of a known beer line. The keg 102 is pressurized and the line 103is filled with beer, which is dispensed by operation of the tap 104. Thedifferent procedures are outside of normal use and comprise varioussteps involved in adjusting the pressures applied to the apparatus,moving or adjusting the condition of fluid in the line, and cleaning theline.

Line valve means in the form of first line valve 109, one way valve 110and second line valve 111 are disposed on the line 103 adjacent the keg102. These valves 109, 110, 111 are disposed inside a filtering unitmodule 112 which connects the keg 102 to the line 103. A main line 113extends through the filtering unit module 112, and this main line 113forms part of the line 103 in use. As described below, the valves 109,110, 111 act to direct beer along the line 103 towards the tap 4 whenthe first pressurization means 105 is applied, and to direct beer to thefiltering means 108 then into the keg 102 when the second pressurizationmeans 106 is applied. Thus, only beer returning to the keg 102 issubjected to the filtering means 108. A return fluid branch line 114extends from a first junction point 115 on the main line 113 where thefirst line valve 109 is located, to a second junction point 116 wherethe second line valve 111 is located. It therefore comprises a loopline. The filtering means 108 is disposed on the return fluid branchline 114. The filtering means 108 is a 0.2 micron filter.

The first gas cylinder 105 is connected to the keg 102 by a gas line119. Mounted on the gas line 119 is a valve box 120, which carries aseries of solenoid valves adapted to control the pressurization,de-pressurization and re-pressurization of the keg 102. The valve box120 contains the following valves: a three way flow restrictor controlvalve 121, a restrictor valve 122, a two-way stop valve 123 and a twoway gas exhaust valve 124. The flow restrictor control valve 121, thestop valve 123 and the gas exhaust valve 124 are all mounted on the gasline 119, as it passes through the valve box 120.

The flow restrictor control valve 121 is a three way valve which opensthe gas line 119 and shuts passage to the restrictor valve 122 in afirst position adopted in normal use. It shuts the gas line 119 anddiverts the pressurized gas to the restrictor valve 122, from where itis returned to the flow restrictor control valve 121 and back along thegas line 119, in a second position adopted during re-pressurization ofthe keg 102. The restrictor valve 122 restricts flow of the pressurizedgas from the gas cylinder 105 when the apparatus is re-pressurized,thereby preventing the keg 102 from re-pressurizing too fast which wouldagitate the beer therein.

The two way stop valve 123 opens the gas line 119 in a first positionadopted in normal use, and shuts the gas line 119 in a second positionadopted during de-pressurization of the keg 102.

The gas exhaust valve 124 is connected to a restrictor valve 125 and asilencer 126, which leads to a vent 127 to atmosphere. The restrictorvalve 125 and the silencer 126 prevent the keg 102 de-pressurizing toofast, which would lead to frothing of the beer. The gas exhaust valve124 is a two way valve which opens the gas line 119 and shuts passage tothe vent 127 in a first position adopted in normal use, and shuts thegas line 119 and opens passage from the keg 102 to the vent 127 in asecond position adopted during de-pressurization of the keg 102.Therefore, switching of the gas exhaust valve 124 simultaneouslyisolates the keg 102 from the cylinder 105, and depressurizes the keg102.

The gas line 119 leads to the keg 102 via the filtering unit module 112.A main gas line 128 extends through the module 112, and this main gasline 128 forms part of the gas line 119 in use. A two-way gas stop valve129 is disposed on the main gas line 128 inside the module 112. Thisstop valve 129 opens the main gas line 128 in a first position adoptedin normal use, and shuts the main gas line 128 in a second positionadopted during pressurization of the line 103. The main gas line 128 andthe portion 119 a of the gas line 119 which leads to the gas exhaustvalve 124, has two functions. In normal use it forms part of the gasline 119 which extends from the gas cylinder 105 to the keg 102.However, during de-pressurization of the keg 102, it forms a gas exhaustline.

The second gas cylinder 106 is connected to the line 103 by a second gasline 130. A two-way line end stop valve 131 is disposed between the line103 and the second gas line 130. This valve opens the line 103 andisolates the second gas cylinder 106 in a first position adopted innormal use. It shuts the line 103 and opens the second gas line 130 in asecond position in order to pressurize the line 103 as part of a lineclearing, or a product pressurizing, process.

All the valves involved in controlling the appliance of pressure, 121,122, 123, 124, 129 and 131 are connected to the control circuit 107 bymeans of electronic circuitry, which is represented in FIG. 3 by lines132 which connect the various components together. These valves are alloperated by commands sent from the control circuit 107 in use.

Fluid sensor means are provided in the form of a fluid flow sensor 133,a fluid presence optronic sensor 134 and a fluid conductivity sensor135. The fluid flow sensor 133 and the fluid presence optronic sensor134 are housed inside the filtering unit module 112. The fluid flowsensor 133 is disposed between the first junction point 115 and the line103, and the fluid presence optronic sensor 134 is disposed between thesecond junction point 116 and the keg 102. The fluid conductivity sensor135 is mounted directly to the line 103. Each of the sensors 133, 134and 135 are connected to the control circuit 107 by means of electroniccircuitry, which is represented in FIG. 3 by lines 136. The sensors 133,134 and 135 all provide data to the control circuit 107 in use.

The apparatus 101 is also provided with its own line cleaning means. Acleaning fluid line 137 is connected to the line 103 adjacent the tap104 and, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, passes behind the secondgas cylinder 106. A two-way cleaning line valve 138 is disposed betweenthe line 103 and the cleaning fluid line 137. The cleaning fluid line137 leads from a source of clean water 139 and a source of cleaningfluid 140. A peristaltic pump 141 is disposed between the source ofcleaning fluid 140 and the cleaning fluid line 137. The cleaning linevalve 138 opens the line 103 and isolates the cleaning fluid line 137 ina first position adopted in normal use. It opens the cleaning fluid line137 in a second position adopted during a line cleaning procedure. Thecleaning procedure may be, and is preferably, facilitated by thecontents of the second gas cylinder 106 which help force the cleaningfluid through the line 103, return fluid branch line 114 and filter 108as well as help dry the interior walls of the same once the cleaningfluid is fully evacuated. In this configuration, as seen in FIG. 3, thecleaning line valve is downstream, relative to tap 104, from the endstop valve 131; though in practice both are in close proximity to thetap 104.

A drain line 142 is connected to the other end of the line 103 adjacentthe keg 102. It extends from the main line 113 inside the filtering unitmodule, to a drain 143. A two-way drain valve 144 is disposed betweenthe main line 113 and the drain line 142, which opens the main line 113and isolates the drain line 142 in a first position adopted in normaluse, and shuts the main line 113 and opens the drain line 142 in asecond position adopted during a line cleaning procedure. Again, thesevalves 138 and 144 are connected to the control circuit 107 byelectronic circuitry.

The control circuit 107 is an electronic circuit designed with knowntechniques to operate the apparatus 101 as described below. However, itis provided with at least a database 145 for storing information aboutthe apparatus 101. This information comprises the quantity of fluidwhich can be contained in the line 103, and the electric resistance ofthe fluid which is supposed to be in the line 103. This information canbe programmed into the control circuit 107, or the control circuit 107can perform a test line drain in which information from the fluid sensormeans is recorded for future reference. Data gathered during all furtheroperations can be compared with the data from the test run, in order toidentify if the incoming data is outside the parameters of the test run,whether this be an increase in the quantity of fluid passing down theline 103 or the type of fluid passing down the line 103. The controlcircuit 107 is housed in a control box 146, which is provided with anoperation keypad 147 and an LCD display 148, which provides informationabout the status of the apparatus 101.

A pressure sensor 149 is mounted in the section 119 a of the gas line119 between the filtering unit module 112 and the valve box 120, and isalso connected to the control circuit 107.

Clearly FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the fluid line apparatus 101,and is intended to show the various components in terms of theirfunction and relationship to one another. In reality the apparatus 101can be laid out as is convenient on site. Usually the gas cylinder 105and the keg 102 are disposed in a cellar, and the line 103 leads up tothe tap 104 at a bar, which could be one or more stories above thecellar. The control box 146 can be wall mounted adjacent the keg 102, orit can be mounted at the bar, and the filtering unit module 112 can bemounted on top of the keg 102 by means of connector 150. The valve box120 can be disposed anywhere between the first cylinder 105 and the keg102 as appropriate. The second gas cylinder 106, the line end stop valve131, the cleaning fluid line 137, the source of cleaning fluid 140, thepump 141 and the cleaning line valve 138 can all be stowed under thebar. Several of the components require electrical power to operate, andit will be appreciated that they are appropriately connected to a powersource. Suitable arrangements are known in the art and will not befurther described here.

In normal use the fluid line apparatus 101 operates like a known beerline. Valves 121, 123, 124 and 129 are open so the first gas cylinder105 is connected straight through to the keg 102 by the gas line 119. Inaddition, valves 109, 111, 131, 138 and 144 are also open, so the line103 is open from the keg 102 up to the tap 104. Therefore, the first gascylinder 105 pressurizes the keg 102, and beer is forced from there upthe line 103 to the tap 104. When a user opens the tap 104 beer isdispensed for consumption. If the keg 102 runs dry, it is disconnectedfrom the first gas cylinder 105 and the line 103 and replaced. However,when a line draining procedure is performed the following sequence takesplace.

A user initiates the procedure by inputting a start command on thekeypad 147. This can be single press of a button. The control circuit107 then sends commands to the valve box 120 to switch the stop valve123 to assume its second position, thereby isolating the gas cylinder105 from the keg 102. The gas exhaust valve 124 is then switched to itssecond position, and the keg 102, the main gas line 128 and the section119 a of the gas line 119 are opened to atmosphere, via the restrictorvalve 125 and the silencer 126. The pressure in the keg 102 thereforedrops at a slow rate which is low enough to prevent any beer in the keg102 from frothing up, until the pressure in the keg is 0 PSI. It will beappreciated that only gas exhaust valve 124 need be switched to performthe above described step, however the stop valve 123 provides a failsafeto prevent the first gas cylinder 105 from being opened to atmosphere.

The pressure sensor 149 provides a pressure reading to the controlcircuit 107, and once this reading indicates that 0 PSI has beenreached, the control circuit 107 commands the gas stop valve 129 toassume its second position and shut the main gas line 128. The gasexhaust valve 124 can also be switched back to its first position, toprovide a failsafe seal of the keg 102. Once this has been achieved, thecontrol circuit 107 commands the first line valve 109 and the secondline valve 111 to assume their second positions in which they shut themain line 113 and open the return fluid branch line 114. Once this hasbeen done the control circuit 107 commands the line end stop valve 131to assume its second position, and close the line 103 and open thesecond gas line 130. As a result the pressure provided by the second gascylinder 106 is applied to the fluid in the line 103, and it is forcedinto the keg 102. The fluid is diverted from the main line 113 onto thereturn fluid branch line 114 by the first line valve 109. The beerpasses over the filter 108, and is then diverted into the keg 102 by thesecond line valve 111. Thus, all the beer returned to the keg 102 ispassed over the filter 108 to ensure its cleanliness.

When this happens the fluid flow sensor 133, the fluid presence optronicsensor 134 and the fluid conductivity sensor 135 send data to thecontrol circuit 107 on the fact that fluid is flowing back into the keg102, the quantity of said fluid, and the conductivity of said fluid. Thecontrol circuit 107 has data in the database 145 which defines how muchbeer should pass over the flow sensor 133. If the quantity passing overthe sensor 133 is outside of this definition the control circuit 107shuts down the system by switching the line valves 109 and 111, and theline end stop valve 131 to their first positions. This removes thepressure from the line 103, and shuts the return fluid branch line 114.The one-way valve 110 prevents any fluid entering the keg 102. Inaddition, the fluid conductivity sensor 135 sends data to the controlcircuit 107 about the electric resistance of the fluid in the line 103.The control circuit 107 has data in the database 145 which defines whatthe electric resistance of the fluid should be, and if the data from thesensor 135 conflicts with the data in the database 145, the controlcircuit 107 will perform the same shut down procedure. In any event,when the last beer is forced into the keg the optronic sensor sensesthat no more fluid is present in the main line 113 and the controlcircuit 107 closes the valves 109 and 111 and the process is shut down,so no gas enters the keg 102.

The above described line draining procedure can be performed for tworeasons. Firstly, the line 103 can be drained to allow it to be cleanedas described below. Secondly, the line 103 can be drained of product inorder to store it in the keg 102 and prevent it spoiling in the line103. If the line 103 has been drained in order to store the beer, theapparatus 101 is left as it was when the beer was being forced back intothe keg 102, in other words the line valves 109 and 11 are left in theirsecond positions. The positive pressure of inert gas from the first gascylinder 106 is left applied to the line 103 and to the keg 102 in orderto keep the line 103 sterile and the keg 102 pressurized. However, ifthe line 103 is to be cleaned the following sequence takes place.

The cleaning line valve 138 and the drain valve 144 are switched totheir second positions such that a clear path is opened from thecleaning fluid line 137 to the drain 143. Water and cleaning fluid areintroduced to the line 103 from the sources 139 and 140, and thepressure from the first gas cylinder 106 forces this cleaning fluid downthe line, over all the sensors and through the filtering unit module112. This action is performed for a pre-determined time until the line103 and its various components are clean. The cleaning line valve 138 isthen switched back to its first position to isolate the cleaning fluidline 137, but the line end stop valve 131 and the drain valve 143 areleft open so pressurized gas is forced through the line 103 in order todrain it of cleaning fluid and to dry it. Once this has been performedfor a desired period the line end stop valve 131 and the drain valve 143are switched back to their first positions, and the apparatus 101 isleft in a standby mode.

Whether the line 103 is drained in order to store the beer or to cleanthe line 103, in order to begin serving beer again the apparatus 101must be re-pressurized once more. If the apparatus is in storage mode,the pressure being applied from the second gas cylinder 106 must firstbe removed. A user inputs a command to the keypad 147, and the controlcircuit 107 switches the line end stop valve 131 to its first position,thereby isolating the pressure from the second gas cylinder 106, andopening the line 103 to the tap 104. The user then opens the tap 104 torelease the pressure in the line 103 and the keg 102 to atmosphere.

Once this is done, the control circuit 107 commands the line valves 109and 111 to switch to their first positions, and as such the line 103 isnow ready for beer to be dispensed from the tap 104. The control circuit107 then sends commands to the flow restrictor control valve 121 toassume its second position, and to the stop valve 123, and the gas stopvalve 129 to assume their first positions. As such, the first gascylinder 105 is again applied to the keg 102 in order to pressurize it.However, the pressure is diverted by the flow restrictor control valve121 to the restrictor valve 122, from where it is returned to the flowrestrictor control valve 121 at a lower pressure. The restrictor valve122 is adapted to restrict the flow of pressurized gas such that the keg102 is re-pressurized to a normal operating pressure at a slow ratewhich will not agitate the beer. As a result no frothy unsalable productis forced up the line 103, and normal beer can be dispensed from the tap104 straight away.

As the pressure in the keg 102 rises, beer is forced up the line 103.Once the pressure sensor 149 indicates that the keg 102 has reached thenormal use pressure, the LCD 148 displays that fact, and the apparatus101 can be used again to dispense beer.

The apparatus of the invention can be used in a different manner to thatdescribed above. In particular, the line 103 can be drained withoutreducing the pressure in the keg 102 to 0 psi, which prevents the wasteof pressurised gas. In order to achieve this alternative method of useit is simply necessary to program the control circuit 107 to operate ina different manner, as described below, and to use the second gascylinder 106 to provide a greater gas pressure than is present in thekeg 102 and the line 103.

Therefore, a user can initiate such a procedure by inputting a startcommand on the keypad 147. The control circuit 107 sends commands to thegas stop valve 129 and the stop valve 123 to isolate the first gascylinder 105 from the keg 102. Commands are then sent to the first linevalve 109 and the second line valve 111 to assume their second positionsin which they shut the main line 113 and open the return fluid branchline 114. Once this has been done the control circuit 107 commands theline end stop valve 131 to assume its second position, and close theline 103 and open the second gas line 130. As a result the pressureprovided by the second gas cylinder 106 is applied to the fluid in theline 103. As this pressure is greater than the pressure in line 103 andkeg 102, the fluid in the line 103 is forced into the keg 102. Duringsaid process, the fluid is diverted from the main line 113 onto thereturn fluid branch line 114 by the first line valve 109. The beerpasses over the filter 108, and is then diverted into the keg 102 by thesecond line valve 111. It will be appreciated that there is a drop influid pressure over the filter 108, and therefore the pressuredifferential between the second gas cylinder 106 and the pressure in thekeg 102 must be greater than this in order to force all the fluid backinto the keg 102.

As with the above manner of use, when the fluid is diverted to thereturn fluid branch line, the fluid flow sensor 133, the fluid presenceoptronic sensor 134 and the fluid conductivity sensor 135 send data tothe control circuit 107 on the fact that fluid is flowing back into thekeg 102, the quantity of said fluid, and the conductivity of said fluid.Again, the control circuit 107 has data in the database 145 whichdefines how much beer should pass over the flow sensor 133. If thequantity passing over the sensor 133 is outside of this definition thecontrol circuit 107 shuts down the system by switching the line valves109 and 111, which shuts the return fluid branch line 114. The one-wayvalve 110 prevents any fluid entering the keg 102.

Again, the fluid conductivity sensor 135 sends data to the controlcircuit 107 about the electric resistance of the fluid in the line 103,and if it conflicts with the data in the database 145, the controlcircuit 107 will perform the same shut down procedure.

Assuming the proper quantity and fluid has been returned to the keg 102,essentially leaving line 103, return fluid branch line 114 and thefilter 108 empty, the control circuit 107 automatically issues, or theuser manually inputs, commands whereby the line end stop valve isswitched to its first position so the second gas cylinder 106 is Theapparatus 101 is then left for a period of time with the pressure beingapplied by the second gas cylinder 106. Alternatively, both gascylinders can be set to provide the same pressure, e.g, the pressuredelivered by gas cylinder 105 is isolated from the line 103. This leavesthe line 103 and the keg 102 in a pressurized isolated state.

If the line 103 has been drained to store the beer, the apparatus 101 isleft in this state. However, if the line 103 is to be cleaned the tap104 is opened to reduce the pressure in the line 103. The pressure inthe container 102 is not reduced because the second line valve 111 doesnot allow fluid up the line in its second position. The cleaning linevalve 138 and the drain valve 144 are then switched to their secondpositions such that a clear path is opened from the cleaning fluid line137 to the drain 143. When the drain valve 144 switches to this positionit isolates the keg 102 from the line 103, so the keg 102 is not openedto the drain 143. Water and cleaning fluid are then introduced to theline 103 from the cleaning fluid source 140 and the clean water source139, and pressure from the first gas cylinder 106 is used to forces thiscleaning fluid down the line 103, over all the sensors and through thefiltering unit module 112. This action is performed for a pre-determinedtime until the line 103 and its various components are clean. Thecleaning line valve 138 is then switched back to its first position toisolate the cleaning fluid line 137, but the line end stop valve 131 andthe drain valve 143 are left open so pressurized gas is forced throughthe line 103 in order to drain it of cleaning fluid and to dry it. Oncethis has been performed for a desired period the line end stop valve 131and the drain valve 143 are switched back to their first positions, andthe apparatus 101 is left in a standby mode.

When the apparatus 101 is to be used again to dispense beer, thefollowing sequence takes place. If the line has not been cleaned asabove, then tap 104 is first opened to reduce the pressure in the line103. The pressure in the container 102 is not reduced because the secondline valve 111 does not allow fluid up the line in its second position.To prepare the apparatus for dispensing, the pressure in the keg 102 isreduced via the gas exhaust valve 124. The user initiates this byinputting commands into the keypad 147. The control circuit 107 thencommands the gas exhaust valve 124 to switch to its second position, andthe gas stop valve 129 to open, such that the keg 102, the main gas line128 and the section 119 a of the gas line 119 are opened to atmosphere,via the restrictor valve 125 and the silencer 126. The pressure in thekeg 102 therefore drops at a slow rate which is low enough to preventany beer in the keg 102 from frothing up. The control circuit 107monitors the pressure reading from the pressure sensor 149, and closesthe gas exhaust valve 124 when it indicates that the pressure in the keg102 has dropped to a pre-determined level. This level is one at whichthe beer will still be forced up the line 103, but at a rate which willnot agitate it. For example, if the beer is placed at 40 psi in normaluse, the pre-determined level could be 20 psi.

The control circuit 107 indicates when this pre-determined level hasbeen reached on the LCD 148. At the same time it commands the linevalves 109 and 111 to switch to their first positions, and, with the tap104 open, the beer rises up to the tap 104 at low pressure. The fluidflow sensor 133 sends data to the control circuit 107 on the quantity offluid flowing into the line 103, and when the control circuit 107calculates that the line 103 is full, by referring to the data in thedatabase 145 which defines the capacity of the line 103, it then fullyre-pressurises the keg 102 and the line 103 with the first gas cylinder105. When the line 103 is full beer will begin to be dispensed from it,and when this occurs the tap 104 is shut again.

To re-pressurize the keg 102 again, the control circuit 107 sendscommands to the flow restrictor control valve 121 to assume its secondposition, and to the stop valve 123 and the gas stop valve 129 to open.As such, the first gas cylinder 105 is again applied to the keg 102 inorder to pressurise it. However, the pressure is diverted by the flowrestrictor control valve 121 to the restrictor valve 122, from where itis returned to the flow restrictor control valve 121 at a lowerpressure. The restrictor valve 122 is adapted to restrict the flow ofpressurised gas such that the keg 102 is re-pressurised to a normaloperating pressure at a slow rate which will not agitate the beer.

As described above the apparatus 101 can perform a pre-use procedure togather information required to perform any of the above described linedraining procedures. The pre-use procedure occurs once the apparatus 101has been fitted, and before normal use commences. The control circuit107 pressurises the keg 102 in the manner described above, in order toarrange the apparatus 101 for normal use. By doing this the line 103 isfilled with a quantity of beer which can be measured. The controlcircuit 107 then performs the steps of a line draining procedure asdescribed above, however rather than receiving and comparing data fromthe sensors 133, 134 and 135, the control circuit 107 simply records thedata, and stores it in the database 145 for later comparison. Thedatabase 145 is therefore provided with information on the quantity ofbeer which should be returned to the keg 102, and on the type of beerwhich should be in the line 103. Further line drains are thereforecompared to the one performed in the pre-use procedure for verificationof authenticity. All this data can also be programmed into the controlcircuit 107 prior to use if preferred

The second aspect of the invention relates to a method of using fluidline apparatus, such as that shown in FIG. 3. The method involves fourbasic steps, each of which are clearly described above in detail inrelation to the line draining and cleaning procedure.

The third aspect of the invention relates to another method of usingfluid line apparatus, such as that shown in FIG. 3. The method involvesfour basic steps, and again the process is clearly described above indetail in relation to the line draining and product storing procedure.

The fourth aspect of the invention relates to another method of usingfluid line apparatus, such as that shown in FIG. 3. This method involvespressurizing product in the line in order to maintain it during a periodof inactivity, rather than transferring it back to the container. Itwill be appreciated that this is quite possible with apparatus 101. Whenthe apparatus is to be left for a period of inactivity, the user inputsa command into the key pad 147 and the control circuit 107 switches theline end stop valve 131 to its second position, opening the second gasline 130. This shuts the line 103, and allows the product in the line103 to be pressurized by the second gas cylinder 106. The beer does notreturn to the keg 102 because the line valves 109 and 111 are left intheir first position, so the return fluid branch line 114 is closed off,and the one way valve 110 prevents any backflow to the container. Oncebeer is to be dispensed again the control circuit 107 can switch theline end stop valve 131 back to its first position and the user can openthe tap 104 to alleviate the pressure in the line 103.

The fifth aspect of the invention relates to a filtering unit module foruse with fluid line apparatus like that described above. Such afiltering unit module 112 is shown in detail in FIG. 3. In order toperform the fifth aspect of the present invention it is only necessaryto ensure that the filtering unit module 112 can be released from thekeg 102 and the line 103, and this can be readily achieved with knowncouplers. In addition, on one version of the fifth aspect of theinvention a filtering unit module is provided with interface meansadapted to connect to control means of fluid line apparatus. Again, suchan interface means can comprise any known electronic data transferenceinterface.

The sixth aspect of the present invention relates to fluid line drainingapparatus for use with existing fluid line apparatus. Therefore, in analternative embodiment (not separately shown) fluid line drainingapparatus comprises the second gas cylinder 106, the control box 146,the filtering unit module 112 and means to connect at least thesecomponents to an existing beer line. These means to connect thecomponents can comprise any known couplers, interfaces and valves.

The seventh aspect of the present invention relates to multiple fluidline apparatus, which functions in the same way as apparatus 101, butcontrols more than one line. Therefore, FIG. 4 shows multiple fluid lineapparatus 400, which generally comprises the same components andoperates in the same manner as apparatus 101, but in which there arefour beer lines, and some of the components are common to all the lines.(The same reference numerals have been used in FIG. 4 as in FIG. 3 torefer to the common components, and the components of a first of thefour beer lines.)

The multiple beer line apparatus 400 comprises first beer line 103,which connects keg 102 with tap 104. Filtering unit module 112 ismounted between beer line 103 and keg 102. Further identical lines 401connect kegs 402 to taps 403. Filtering unit modules 404 are mounted onkegs 402. The first line has fluid conductivity sensor 135, cleaningline valve 138 and line end stop valve 131 mounted thereon. The lines401 also have fluid conductivity sensors 405, cleaning line valves 406and line end stop valves 407 mounted thereon. The apparatus 400 furthercomprises a control box 146, containing a control circuit (not shown), afirst gas cylinder 105, a valve box 120 with a vent to atmosphere 127, asecond gas cylinder 106, a source of water 139, a source of cleaningfluids 140 and a drain 143.

However, unlike in apparatus 101, a first gas line ring 408 extends toall four filtering unit modules 112, 404, a second gas line ring 409extends to all four lines 103, 401, a cleaning fluid line ring 410extends to all the lines 103, 401, and a drain line 411 extends from allfour filtering unit modules to the drain 143. In addition, electroniccircuitry 132 and 136 extends from the control box 146 to all thefiltering unit modules 112, 401, all the fluid conductivity sensors 135,405 and all the cleaning line valves 138, 406. In use the apparatus 400operates the lines in the same manner as in apparatus 101. The controlcircuit can control all the lines 103, 401 in the same mannersimultaneously, or each line individually as required.

The embodiments shown can be altered without departing from the spiritof the invention. For example in one alternative embodiment (not shown),rather than using fluid flow sensors to monitor the fluid returning tothe keg during the line cleaning procedure of apparatus 1, the controlcircuit runs the vacuum pump for a pre-determined time only, which timeperiod corresponds to the time it takes to draw the contents of the lineback into the keg only.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown) the control circuitprevents misuse of apparatus 1 by monitoring the drop in the vacuumpressure when the tap is opened, and only runs the vacuum pump until thevacuum pressure has dropped to a level which corresponds to the fluid inthe line having been drawn back into the keg.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown) a single gas cylinder canbe used instead of the first and second gas cylinders 105 and 106 inapparatus 101. The single gas cylinder can be connected to both thecontainer and the line end valve end of the line, and the pressure canbe applied in different directions by the control circuit using valves.

In other alternative embodiments (not shown) the filtering meanscomprise mechanical devices which impact the quantity of live microbialbacteria in the beer returning to the keg in other ways. These includethe application of: a laser or lasers, ultra violet or infra redradiation, heating or cooling, a high impact force, magnetohydrodynamicsterilisation or irradiation, or any combination of these things.

In another embodiment (not shown) the drain valve 144 as shown in FIG. 3is disposed on the fluid return branch 114 between the filter 108 andthe second line valve 111, as opposed t0 the position shown in FIG. 3.

It will also be appreciated that the invention can be performed withfluid lines not used with alcoholic drinks. For example, in alternativeembodiments (not shown) the invention is used with industrial fluidlines in manufacturing procedures. Thus, a beer line is provided whichcan be cleaned without the loss of any product when the line is drained,and without any loss of the product through over frothing when the lineis reconnected. Further, the process of line cleaning is considerablysimplified for the user. In addition, apparatus is provided whichmaintains the condition of all the beer in the system during a period ofinactivity.

While the present invention has been described with respect toaforementioned specific embodiments and appended figures, it should beappreciated that other embodiments utilizing the concept of the presentinvention are possible without departing from the scope of theinvention. The present invention is defined by the claimed elements andany and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall withinthe spirit and scope of the underlying principles embraced or embodiedthereby.

1. Fluid line apparatus comprising a container, a line, a line endvalve, pressurisation means and control means, in which the lineconnects the container to the line end valve, in which a first functionof the pressurisation means is to pressurise the container such thatfluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve,in which a second function of the pressurisation means is to pressurisethe line such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of thecontainer, in which in use the control means controls the application ofthe pressurisation means to the container and the line such that whenfluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards theline end valve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluidis forced towards the container, and in which fluid returning to thecontainer is subjected to a filtering means.
 2. Fluid line apparatus asclaimed in claim 1 in which the pressurisation means comprises a firstpressurisation means adapted to pressurise the container such that fluidin the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, and asecond pressurisation means adapted to pressurise the line such thatfluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container.
 3. Fluidline apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the second pressurisationmeans comprises a positive pressurisation means disposed at the line endvalve end of the line.
 4. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 3 inwhich line valve means are disposed on the line adjacent the container,in which the line valve means are adapted to direct fluid along the linetowards the line end valve when the first pressurisation means isapplied, and in which the line valve means are further adapted to directfluid to the filtering means then into the container when the secondpressurisation means is applied and the line is to be cleared of fluid.5. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which a return fluidbranch line is provided, which return fluid branch line extends from ajunction point on the line adjacent the container, in which thefiltering means are disposed on the return fluid branch line, and inwhich the line valve means comprises a two way valve disposed at thejunction point which is adapted to open the line and shut the returnfluid branch line when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus, andto close the line and open the return fluid branch line when fluid is tobe returned to the container.
 6. Fluid line apparatus as claimed inclaim 5 in which the return fluid branch line comprises a loop linewhich extends from said junction point to a second junction point on theline between said junction point and the container, and in which theline valve means comprises a second two way valve disposed at the secondjunction point which is adapted to open the line and shut the returnfluid branch line when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus, andto close the line and open the return fluid branch line when fluid is tobe returned to the container.
 7. Fluid line apparatus as claimed inclaim 6 in which the line valve means further comprises a one way valvedisposed on the line between said junction point and the second junctionpoint, which one way valve is adapted to only allow fluid to pass alongthe line in the direction of the line end valve.
 8. Fluid line apparatusas claimed in claim 7 in which the fluid is a liquid.
 9. Fluid lineapparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which when fluid in the line is to beforced towards the line end valve the first pressurisation means appliesa greater pressure to the container than the second pressurisation meansapplies to the line.
 10. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 9 inwhich when fluid in the line is to be forced towards the container thesecond pressurisation means applies a greater pressure to the line thanthe first pressurisation means applies to the container.
 11. Fluid lineapparatus as claimed in claim 10 in which when fluid in the line is tobe forced towards the line end valve the first pressurisation means isapplied to the container and the second pressurisation means is notapplied to the line.
 12. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 11 inwhich when fluid in the line is to be forced towards the container thesecond pressurisation means is applied to the line and the firstpressurisation means is not applied to the container.
 13. Fluid lineapparatus as claimed in claim 10 in which the fluid is an effervescentliquid, and in which the first pressurisation means is a source ofpressurised gas, which is connected to the container by a gas line. 14.Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 13 in which the secondpressurisation means is a source of pressurised gas which is connectedto the line adjacent the line end valve.
 15. Fluid line apparatus asclaimed in claim 14 in which a stop valve is provided on the gas line,in which a gas exhaust valve is provided on the gas line between thestop valve and the container, and in which when the first pressurisationmeans is to be reduced or removed from the container in use the stopvalve closes the gas line and the gas exhaust valve opens the portion ofthe gas line between it and the container to atmosphere in order toreduce the pressure in the container.
 16. Fluid line apparatus asclaimed in claim 15 in which the gas exhaust valve is connected to oneor more restrictor valves and a silencer, such that the pressure in thecontainer can only be reduced at a pre-determined rate, whichpre-determined rate is below that which would agitate the effervescentliquid.
 17. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 16 in which a lineend stop valve is provided between the second pressurisation means andthe line, and in which when the second pressurisation means is to beremoved from the line in use the line end stop valve isolates the secondpressurisation means, and the line end valve is opened to reduce thepressure in the line.
 18. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 13 inwhich the control means is adapted such that when fluid is to bedispensed from the apparatus after the line has been cleared, thecontainer is re-pressurised with the first pressurisation means at apre-determined rate, which pre-determined rate is below that which wouldagitate the effervescent liquid
 19. Fluid line apparatus as claimed inclaim 18 in which a flow restrictor valve is provided between the firstpressurisation means and the container, which flow restrictor valve isadapted to facilitate re-pressurisation of the container at saidpredetermined rate.
 20. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 1 inwhich fluid sensor means are provided on the line which provide data tothe control means on the quantity of fluid forced into the container inuse, and in which the control means uses said data to operate the fluidline apparatus such that only fluid which was in the line is forced intothe container.
 21. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 20 in whichthe fluid sensor means comprises a fluid flow sensor, a fluid presenceoptronic senor and a fluid conductivity sensor, in which the fluidpresence optronic sensor is adapted to signal to the control means whenit senses a returning fluid, in which the fluid flow sensor is adaptedto measure the quantity of fluid returning to the container in use, andin which the fluid conductivity sensor is adapted to identify theelectric resistance of the fluid.
 22. Fluid line apparatus as claimed inclaim 21 in which a return fluid branch line is provided, whichcomprises a loop line extending from a junction point on the lineadjacent the container, to a second junction point on the line betweensaid junction point and the container, in which the fluid conductivitysensor is disposed on the line end valve side of said junction point, inwhich the fluid flow sensor is disposed between the fluid conductivitysensor and said junction point, and in which the fluid presence optronicsensor is disposed between the container and the second junction point.23. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 21 in which the controlmeans is provided with a database of information, which informationcomprises the quantity of fluid which can be contained in the line, andthe electric resistance of the fluid in the line, and in which thecontrol means is adapted to stop the apparatus from forcing fluid intothe container if the quantity of fluid measured by the fluid flow sensorin use and/or the electric resistance of the fluid measured by the fluidconductivity sensor in use is substantially different from saidinformation in the database.
 24. Fluid line apparatus as claimed inclaim 23 in which the information in the database is recorded from thefluid sensor means during a test line drain.
 25. Fluid line apparatus asclaimed in claim 20 in which the fluid sensor means also provide data tothe control means on the quantity of fluid forced from the container inuse.
 26. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which thefiltering means is a 0.2 micron filter disposed in the path of returningfluid.
 27. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which acleaning fluid line is connected to the line adjacent the line endvalve, and a drain is connected to the line between the filtering meansand the container, in which when the line is cleared of fluid in use acleaning fluid is introduced to the line from the cleaning fluid line,is forced along the line by the pressurisation means, and is directed tothe drain thereby to clean the line.
 28. Fluid line apparatus as claimedin claim 27 wherein the pressurization means for forcing the cleaningfluid, which pressurization means may be the same pressurization meansas pressurizes the container or a second, different pressurizationmeans, is associated with the cleaning fluid line or is associated withthe end stop valve for forcing the cleaning fluid through the line andfiltering means as well as drying the line and filtering meansconcurrent with and following the ejection of the cleaning fluid via thedrain.
 29. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the lineis removable from the container, such that when line is cleared of fluidin use it is removed for cleaning.
 30. Fluid line apparatus as claimedin claim 4 in which the apparatus comprises a stand-by mode in which theline valve means prevents fluid returning to the container when thesecond pressurisation means is applied, such that fluid in the line ispressurised by the second pressurisation means.
 31. Fluid line apparatusas claimed in claim 2 in which the second pressurisation means comprisesa vacuum pump means disposed at the container end of the line.
 32. Fluidline apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the fluid is beer, and thecontainer is a beer keg.
 33. A filtering unit module for use with fluidline apparatus comprising a container, a line, a line end valve,pressurisation means and control means, in which the line connects thecontainer to the line end valve, in which a first function of thepressurisation means is to pressurise the container such that fluid inthe container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, in whicha second function of the pressurisation means is to pressurise the linesuch that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container,in which in use the control means controls the application of thepressurisation means to the container and the line such that when fluidis to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards the line endvalve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forcedtowards the container, and in which fluid returning to the container issubjected to a filtering means, in which the filtering unit modulecomprises a self contained unit adapted to be fitted between a containerand a line of fluid line apparatus with which it is used, in which thefiltering unit module comprises line valve means and the filtering meansof said apparatus, in which the line valve means are adapted to directfluid to said line in the direction of a line end valve of saidapparatus when the pressurisation means of said apparatus performs itsfirst function, and in which the line valve means are further adapted todirect fluid to the filtering means then into the container of saidapparatus when the pressurisation means of said apparatus performs itssecond function and the line is to be cleared of fluid.
 34. A filteringunit module as claimed in claim 33 in which the filtering unit modulecomprises a main line which forms part of the line of said apparatus,and a return fluid branch line which extends from a junction point onsaid main line to the container of said apparatus, in which thefiltering means is disposed on the return fluid branch line, and inwhich the line valve means comprises a two way valve disposed at thejunction point which is adapted to open the main line and shut thereturn fluid branch line when fluid is to be dispensed from saidapparatus, and to close the line and open the return fluid branch linewhen fluid is to be returned to the container of said apparatus.
 35. Afiltering unit module as claimed in claim 34 in which the return fluidbranch line comprises a loop line which extends from said junction pointto a second junction point on the main line between said junction pointand the container of the apparatus, and in which the line valve meanscomprises a second two way valve disposed at the second junction pointwhich is adapted to open the main line and shut the return fluid branchline when fluid is to be dispensed from said apparatus, and to close themain line and open the return fluid branch line when fluid is to bereturned to the container of said apparatus.
 36. A filtering unit moduleas claimed in claim 35 in which the line valve means further comprises aone way valve disposed on the main line between said junction point andthe second junction point, which one way valve is adapted to only allowfluid to pass along the main line in the direction of the line end valveof said apparatus.
 37. A filtering unit module as claimed in claims 33in which the pressurisation means of the fluid line apparatus with whichit is used comprises a source of pressurised gas, which is connected tothe container by a gas line, in which the filtering unit module isadapted to be fitted between said source of pressurised gas and saidcontainer and comprises a main gas line which forms part of the gas lineof said apparatus, in which a two-way gas stop valve is disposed on saidmain gas line which is adapted to open the main gas line when fluid isto be dispensed from said apparatus.
 38. A filtering unit module asclaimed in claim 37 in which the gas stop valve is adapted to close themain gas line when fluid is to be returned to the container of saidapparatus.
 39. A filtering unit module as claimed in claim 33 in whichthe filtering unit module comprises fluid sensor means and interfacemeans, in which the interface means are adapted to connect to thecontrol means of said apparatus such that data can be sent to saidcontrol means, and in which the fluid sensor means are adapted toprovide such data to said control means on the quantity of fluid forcedinto the container of said apparatus in use.
 40. A filtering unit moduleas claimed in claim 39 in which the fluid sensor means comprises a fluidflow sensor and a fluid presence optronic senor, in which the fluidpresence optronic sensor is adapted to signal to the control means ofsaid apparatus when it senses a fluid in the main line, in which thefluid flow sensor is adapted to measure the quantity of fluid returningthrough the main line to the container of said apparatus in use and tocommunicate such measurements to said control means.
 41. A filteringunit module as claimed in claim 40 in which the filtering unit modulecomprises a main line which forms part of the line of said apparatus,and a return fluid branch line which comprises a loop line which extendsfrom a junction point on said main line to a second junction point onthe main line between said junction point and the container of theapparatus, in which the fluid flow sensor is disposed on the main lineon the line side of said junction point, and in which the fluid presenceoptronic sensor is disposed on the main line between the second junctionpoint and the container of said apparatus.
 42. A filtering unit moduleas claimed in claim 40 in which the fluid sensor means further comprisesa fluid conductivity sensor which is adapted to identify the electricresistance of fluid passing though the main line and to communicate suchmeasurements to the control means of said apparatus.
 43. A filteringunit module as claimed in claim 42 in which the fluid conductivitysensor is disposed on the main line between the fluid flow sensor andthe line of said apparatus.
 44. Fluid line draining apparatus for usewith fluid line apparatus comprising a container, a line, a line endvalve and pressurisation means, in which the line connects the containerto the line end valve and the pressurisation means pressurises thecontainer such that fluid in the container is forced along the linetowards the line end valve, in which the fluid line draining apparatuscomprises second pressurisation means, control means, filtering meansand connection means, in which in use the pressurisation means, controlmeans and filtering means are connected to fluid line apparatus withwhich the fluid line draining apparatus is used by means of theconnection means, and in which in use the control means controls theapplication of the pressurisation means of said fluid line apparatus tothe container of said fluid line apparatus and the application of thesecond pressurisation means to the line of said fluid line apparatussuch that when fluid is to be dispensed from said fluid line apparatusit is forced in the direction of the line end valve of said fluid lineapparatus, and when the line of said fluid line apparatus is to becleared of fluid, said fluid is forced in the direction of the containerof said fluid line apparatus, and in which fluid returning to thecontainer of said fluid line apparatus is subjected to the filteringmeans.
 45. A multiple fluid line apparatus comprising pressurizationmeans, control means and two or more containers, each provided with aline, a line end valve and a filtering means, in which the lines connectthe containers to their line end valves, in which a first function ofthe pressurization means is to pressurize the containers such that fluidin the containers is forced in the direction of their line end valves,in which a second function of the pressurization means is to pressurizethe lines such that fluid in the lines is forced in the direction of thecorresponding containers, in which in use the control means controls theapplication of the pressurization mean to the containers and the linessuch that when fluid is to be dispensed from one or the other of theline end valves, it is forced along the corresponding line, and when oneor the other of the lines is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid isforced towards the corresponding container, and in which fluid returningto any container is subjected to a filtering means, and wherein thecontrol means is such that the operation of each fluid line isindependent of the other.
 46. A multiple fluid line apparatus as claimedin claim 45 wherein each fluid line further comprises a filtering unitmodule adapted to be fitted between a container and its correspondingline, in which the filtering unit module comprises line valve means andthe filtering means of said apparatus, in which the line valve means areadapted to direct fluid to said line in the direction of the line endvalve of said fluid line when the pressurization means of said apparatusperforms its first function, and in which the line valve means arefurther adapted to direct fluid to the filtering means then in to thecontainer of said fluid line when the pressurization means of saidapparatus performs its second function and the line is to be cleared offluid.
 47. A multiple fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 50wherein the pressurization means comprises two separate pressurizationmeans, one for pressurizing the containers and the second, which isassociated with the line end valve, for pressurizing the lines such thatfluid in the lines is able to be forced in the direction of thecontainers.